Not having anything to do was not always fun. Especially after you got used to a busy routine and suddenly not following it was not a good feeling even after three months. Mashal felt bored as she watched Ginny play by herself. It was one of those days where she is bored out of her mind.

"Ginny, what should we do?" Looking at her clock, she noticed that the time was just eleven in the morning. It's been a few hours since Murat left for his work. Leaving her alone with his cat. The loneliness was making her go crazy if anything. With a sigh, she walked towards the guest room. Which no longer is just a bedroom but her writing corner. 

She has always wanted a space for writing peacefully but was shy in asking about it with her parents. Because that would mean they'd pry about what was she writing. She didn't want them to read her works obviously. So never dared to ask them for any room like this. But Murat was a different story.

No one apart from him knows about her love for writing. She didn't share anything with anyone after being teased about it by her friends. Not even her family. Even Murat was not allowed to read her works and he respects her boundaries. She smiled thinking about him.

It's been a few days since that night where they confessed to each other. Mashal was still in the euphoric feeling. To know Murat was falling in love with her was making her heart flutter in happiness for it still felt like a dream. The glow on her face and glitter in her eyes said exactly how happy she was. It was truly a memorable moment of her life. Thinking about it again made her cheeks flush.

Her fingers moved rhythmically as she typed her heart out in her latest story. If there was anything good about being a stay at home wife then it would be this. To be able to write whenever she wanted without much disturbance. Meher used to distract her a lot when she wrote her previous novel which took nearly two years to complete. It was a series of three books and they come out good. But this book hardly took six months and she was nearing its end already.

Her phone beeped with a notification and her eyes lit up brightly noticing a message from Murat. She opened it as soon as she saw that.

What should I buy for you? Silver or gold?

Mashal blinked a few times, gazing at her phone in awe. Was he being serious right now? She gushed excitedly whilst zooming into the bangles.

Both.
Where are you though?

She loved bangles. She had a huge collection of them racked on her shelves. Especially like this one which is made out of metals. Her heart skipped a beat realising Murat has noticed even the tiniest details about her.

This man! She laughed to herself feeling absolutely blessed to be his wife. What did she do to get him?

Came here to shoot a commercial in the local bangles store and they reminded me of you. So I thought to buy you one.

Mashal's cheeks turned bright red as she read and reread his message. He knows just the right words to say. Such a charmer.

I think I'm falling in love with you too...

She typed it in the spur of the moment and hit the send button. The confessions that night only included her massive crush on him and he took her by shock by replying he's falling for her. So she just kissed him in return. It was a long and deep kiss. There were no words involved.

But today she wanted him to know about her feelings as well. Not that he already didn't know. But words are always better.

I know❤️

His reply was as usual quick and her poor heart skipped several beats at those two words. And did he just send heart? She scrolled through all their previous chats. They never send each other hearts. A wide beam appeared on her face making her cheeks heat up in happiness, shyness.

Okay, the crew is back from their break. Gotta go. Take care of yourself. Xoxo.

I'm missing you a little extra today. Come back soon.

She replied to him immediately and added kisses and hearts at the end. A cheeky yet shy smile played on her lips.

Sorry, babe. Not possible today. I have to stay back extra hours and wrap something. Lock the gates properly. I'll use my keys to get in.

Mashal's heart sank in sadness. The thought of not being able to see him for another few hours made her feel miserable and stupid. Gosh! Why was she so clingy?

:(

Murat didn't read this last message. She knew he did that purposely. Had he seen the sad emoticon, then he'd have thrown everything away and come back home right at this instant. But this work must have been very important for him to ignore her. She could understand him but the irrational part of her wanted him back home soon.

"Ugh. Stop being stupid, Mashal. He's earning for the two of us," She chided herself and went back to continue writing her story but words seems to be stuck in the middle. She knew what to write but couldn't get herself to type them. The feeling of being at home, not doing any contribution to the financial expenses was eating her mind.

She hated being this way.

Earlier when she worked at Kaif's agency, her salary will be used for the monthly groceries as discussed by them both, but now everything is handed by Murat only. She should feel happy that he is wealthy enough for affording everything but the little corner of her heart couldn't help but feel useless and inefficient.

Not feeling in the mood to write anything further, she switched off her laptop and walked out of the writing room, lost deep in her thoughts.

Ginny was still playing by herself.

Mashal decided to visit her mother and ask for advice in this situation. She was still a twenty-two years old clueless soul, having no idea about how the real-life works and maybe her mother could help her clear her mind at this moment.

"Wow! I didn't know you felt this way," Malaika raised her brows at her daughter, who was munching on her handmade food.

She explained all her worries to her mother, who has listened to her patiently.

"Mama you make the best biriyani." Mashal moaned in delight as she ate her lunch at the Baig House, who luckily are her neighbours. So she can visit them whenever and wherever she wants. Yes, she's a lucky woman indeed.

"Your papa made lunch today," Malaika blushed slightly before walking back into the kitchen and took brinjal chutney to the dining table.

"Oh, that's why it's extra yummy. Men always have this extra magic in their hands anyway," Mashal blabbered while eating and that earned her a smack on the shoulders.

"So I take it that Murat cooks for you?" She turned red at her mother's teasing question but bobbed her head.

"My ammi freaked out when she learnt that I let Arsalaan cook food for me. I personally find it romantic though. So what did you give your husband for lunch?" Malaika smiled to herself as she served her daughter's plate with some more biriyani from the opposite end of the dining table.

"He told me not to cook anything for him. He's shooting out today."

"So, why don't you start searching for another job if you're feeling like this?" Malaika sat across her in all seriousness and questioned her.

Mashal groaned inwardly before pausing her lunch.

"After what happened at my first work experience, I'm not sure this is exactly what I want to do. I mean, graphic designing is not that fun. And I'm terrified of going out of my comfort zone and facing Aryan Hossain situation again," Mashal explained meekly, unable to meet her mother's eyes. It was rather very embarrassing to admit it aloud.

"Mashal," her mother walked towards her and sat beside her chair and held her hands gently, "it's okay. Not being able to contribute financially doesn't make you less efficient or useless as you call it. Do you think being a housewife is easy?"

She blinked in no and looked so lost. Her mother sighed while holding her chin and made her face her, "I've worked on my dreams once upon a time, jaani. Owned a successful interior designing company. It was the best thing to have ever happened to me after your father."

"Then why did you stop working, mama? Didn't you feel like what I'm feeling right now?" Even though Mashal already knew this answer, she couldn't help but ask again.

"And then you happened to me, jaani. I wanted to balance my work life and personal life side by side. I've managed it like that for six years. When I got pregnant with your sister, I knew this was not what I wanted. I've worked for nine beautiful years. I thought that's enough chasing dreams. I wanted a break from everything and concentrate on only my family. It was hard but I chose it willingly." Malaika smiled at the end.

"So what I'm saying is, to work or not to work doesn't really matter when your heart doesn't want it. Do what your heart wants you to do. I've been happy as a working woman but happier as a stay at home wife, taking care of my family all by myself."

Mashal glanced at her mother with a proud smile.

"If you love graphic designing. Then you shouldn't stop it just because there are men like Aryan Hossain out there. But if you love something else, you should definitely chase that too. You have such an amazing and supportive husband Masha Allah. I'm sure he'll be telling the same," Malaika squeezed her hands.

"I think I know what I want to do, thanks, mama." Mashal grinned widely as she threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly.

"Right. And being a housewife isn't really easy too. People just assume we get to stay at home all the time, so we will be free and whatnot. But that's not true. It's the toughest job according to me and I love being a housewife. To manage an entire household is not everyone's cup of tea," Malaika explained gently as they broke the hug.

"I understand, mama. Every work is difficult in its own way. I don't know why people look down on housewives." Mashal mumbled distractedly as she got a glimpse of her phone. There was another message from Murat.

She opened it with her left hand and her smile widened seeing the image he has sent.

Which one? I think they all will look good on you.

"Ahem!" Malaika cleared her throat, grabbing Mashal's attention.

"Mama, I'm taking this with me. I'll see you in the evening, Allah Hafiz." Feeling bashful, she picked her plate, phone and ran out of her parents' home.

"Okay but bring back all those cups which you still haven't returned," Malaika yelled at her disappearing figure and began to serve herself lunch with a wide smile on her face.

"I don't know where they are, mama," Mashal replied distractedly while closing the main door of the Baig family house and walking across the street, towards her home. With the plate full of biriyani in her hands. That's another advantage of marrying your neighbour. And all her cousins are envying this right now.

???

Her ever so impatient husband messaged her, not finding any reply from her. She grinned at the screen.

I like them all too.

Then I'm buying them all.

Her eyes went wide. Mashal didn't know if she should be flattered or surprised. These little gestures was making her poor heart feel so overwhelmed.

Murat... You can't be serious.
Tell me you're joking.

Her hands hit the send button and she could see the three dots forming immediately as she did that. He's typing his reply.

You know I am. As I said, they all will look good on you.

She shook her head with a chuckle, "this man! What do I do with him, Ginny?"

The cat gave her a weird look and walked away with a meow.

No, Murat. Just pick any random five. They all look good but I don't want everything.

Sorry to disappoint you, babe. I'm buying everything.

You're really testing my patience now.

Some might actually find this romantic.

I know. But isn't it too much?

She typed out uncertainly.

It's not. I love pampering my wife. So let me buy you everything.

You're such a charmer do you know that?

Mashal blushed as she reread the above text again and again.

Only for you, babe.

And cheesy too.

Again, only with you.

She grinned ear to ear. Long forgotten was her biriyani.

Good. I like that.

Okay, gotta go. Took too much break I think. Eat properly and don't wait up for me in the night. I'll be back a Lil late. Take care of yourself and Ginny xoxo.

Her face fell as she read his message but a dreamy smile continued to remain on her face as she zoomed into all the earrings. Gosh! They were all so pretty. She couldn't wait to get her hands on them.

***

Mashal was shivering in cold, it was somewhere around six in the evening. February's are generally very cold in this city. She was taking a stroll in the park which was two streets away from her home. It was refreshing, to watch all the families and kids having fun there. The park also had a lake, she made a note to herself to ask Murat to take her on a boat ride someday.

"Mashal!" She stilled hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar voice.

"Asad! What are you doing here?" He smiled sadly at her question.

"I got transferred to a school here. So yes." He shrugged nonchalantly.

She nodded awkwardly, not knowing what else to say. They weren't like this before. They were so close and friendly. But he ruined it all by his actions. He was a great friend to her though. A really warm and kind human being. If things were different, she would have given his feelings a second thought. But she was already so smitten with Murat and now happily married. There was no chance for him and her. She was always meant to be Murat's wife.

"How's life?" Asad asked generally as the wind blew across her face, making a few strands of hair disturb her. She tucked them behind her ears and nodded stiffly.

"Alhamdulillah, it's going. How's Tasha auntie? Uncle and Faryal? I was thinking about calling her last week. Life is so busy. Is Ashraf treating her well? Are you guys talking now?" Mashal began to get a little over-excited thinking about her childhood friends. A genuine smile appeared on her face for the first time that evening.

"Yeah. They all are good, Alhamdulillah. Sadly, I don't talk with Ashraf and Faryal." Asad trailed off with a dry chuckle.

Faryal and Ashraf shared history with Asad. The kind of history which didn't let them both unite once upon a time. Now that life is given them a second chance, it's only understandable that they're keeping their distance from him. 

"Right!"

"I'm sorry, Mashal..." He apologized abruptly yet wholeheartedly.

She paused for a second and observed how genuinely sorry he looked. She felt bad for him, with everything going on in his life, she didn't want him to worry about this pointless issue as well.

"I didn't like how you behaved that night," she added a little bitterly.

"I know I have no excuse for that. I thought you liked me too. I've been trying to confess this to you for quite some time actually and you guys suddenly moved here. And then boom you are getting married. I didn't know what to do. I was not in my senses and I'm truly sorry for that night."

"But I wanted to ask you something, did you ever consider me as more than just friend? Not even once?" He was looking hopeful and she felt worse for him as she shook her head in negative.

"I have always considered you and Asim as my brothers. I don't know why you felt otherwise. Anyways, I wish you good luck with life. I hope you find someone who's the one for you. And that someone is definitely not me." Mashal explained calmly. He nodded his head as the children across them played chasing games. It reminded them both of their childhood. The Sheikh and Baig family has always been close.

"I wish you good luck with your married life as well, it's time for me to leave. Thank you for talking with me, Mashal." He smiled sadly and walked away from her. That was the much-needed closure for him and she could only hope that he'd find someone who's right for him.

Mashal stared at his retreating back with a pitiful smile and hugged herself tightly as the climate turned colder. She was starting to shiver and decided to get back home.

But a wide beam appeared on her face as she thought of something else. It might be impulsive but she really wanted to do this.

With a grin, she strode towards the parking and searched for her Activa. After wearing her helmet, she kick-started her scooter and drove ahead to Murat's office. Every cell in her body is suddenly very excited at the thought of surprising her husband.

She has never been to his office in their five months of married life and she decided to change that today. The grin on her face remained throughout the ride.

Mashal had goosebumps all over her hands as she parked in front of Murat's office building. It was the same building where she came for her first-ever interview once upon a time. And here she was, standing in front of the same building as Murat Saeed's wife. Life works so strangely sometimes.

She was rethinking her decision of coming here but puts on a confident smile and walked ahead after locking her scooter.

"Hi, how can I help you?" The receptionist stopped her, Mashal smiled at her politely, "I want to meet Murat, is he free?"

"We don't let people meet him without prior appointments ma'am, sorry about that." The lady on the desk replied curtly.

"Well, I don't think I need any appointments to meet my husband," Mashal smiled pointedly and noticed how the colours changed on the lady's face.

"Sorry, I didn't know that you were his wife. Well, he is free. I can guide you to his office." She was suddenly very humble and polite as realisation dawned upon her. All those articles about Murat Saeed moving on has finally come in handy.

"I can go from here, thank you." Mashal could see her embarrassment clearly and decided to just walk on her own. She remembered his office room anyway.

"Okay, I'll send something for you to drink." The lady was trying to make up for her uncalled rudeness and Mashal shook her head silently before walking from there.

Her heartbeats rose frantically as she stood in front of Murat's door. She was nervous yet excited. She couldn't wait to see the priceless reaction on her husband's face. With an inward sigh, she pushed open the door and noticed two pairs of eyes turning towards her.

One looked at her with an annoyed frown and another one, her favourite pair of deep black eyes gazed at her with surprise and shock. A wide beam broke onto his lips as he stopped whatever he was doing and walked towards her.

"Surprise!" She smiled cheekily and felt herself being lifted up in the air, she laughed happily while wrapping her arms around Murat's neck. She didn't think he'd react this way.  But wasn't complaining at all. 

Mashal can't believe this bulky and deliciously handsome man is hers. She wanted the earth to stop spinning and live in this happy moment forever and ever.

"What are you doing here?" He dropped her gently but one of his hands still held onto her waist, she smiled mischievously and replied, "I was bored. So I'm here,"

"Wow. I like this impulsiveness," His other hand goes to caress her soft cheeks with a fond smile on his face. It was his favourite thing to do these days. She shivered at his touch.

"Guys!" The other person who was observing all this cleared her throat with an awkward smile. 

Both Murat and Mashal pulled back with a bashful smile, especially Mashal, her face was a sight to see.

"I'll be back after a few minutes, carry on." She walked out of the place as soon as she could.

Murat smiled sheepishly at his wife, who looked shy yet not even a tad bit regretful.

"So that was Tanya, huh." She smiled mischievously with her brows raised. He just hummed before pulling her into another bone-crushing hug.

"I'm so glad you came. Today's work was getting stressful to me," He whispered in her ears before breaking apart. She smiled and looked around. This place brought so much nostalgia to her.

"I'm happy you didn't hire me that day otherwise I'd not be working as efficiently as I should." Mashal laughed at herself before going to sit on his chair. She had a cheeky smile on her face as she gazed at him, who was looking at her with amusement.

"After the interview that day, I never knew I'd see you again in this office. But here you are. Sitting on my chair. As my wife." Murat mumbled in disbelief as he took the camera from his table and captured her beautiful image. She placed her hands against her chin and posed for him.

"You're something else..." He chuckled in amazement as he picked her off his chair and swiftly sat there now. Her cheeks went on fire as she sat on his laps instead. He had a flirty smile on his face. He couldn't seem to take his hands off her.

"What are you-" her words were silenced as he placed his mouth against hers, taking her in for an urgent kiss. She held onto his neck and kissed him back just as wildly. Their lips moved in sync and their eyes were closed automatically on their own. It was everything romantic and passionate. Their heartbeats raised rapidly as they breathed hard but still didn't break apart.

"How did you come here though?" He caressed her cheeks again, a few minutes after their earth-shattering kiss. No one interrupted them till now, thankfully.

"I drove myself. You know, I was bored out of my mind." She sighed while hugging him and placed her face against his chest.

"How's that book of yours coming along?" He asked and she grinned up at him, "you remembered, huh?"

"I remember everything about you," he kissed her forehead lovingly as she hugged him again, a little extra tightly this time.

"It's almost completed," she replied against his chest.

"You wore your helmet, right?"

"Of course, I did. Mama would freak out otherwise. She was outside when I took out my scooter." Mashal laughed before placing a lingering kiss near his lips.

"I think I should get back to work. You can sit on this sofa and watch me work. I'll take you back home." She didn't protest against him and simply nodded like an understanding wife.

"Where are my earrings and bangles?" Another wide beam appeared on her face. He chuckled at her question, "it's there in my car, I'll show you after going home."

"You're on the way to bag the best husband's title," Mashal laughed before getting up from his lap and straightened his shirt. He wore her favourite off white shirt with black pants, looking dashing as ever.

"Seriously, I love those earrings and bangles. So nice of you to think about me even during your work," She grinned while taking another look at his office. It was elegant and screamed Murat in every corner.

"You are all I think about all the time," She blushed at his words with a shake of her head, "stop being cheesy and get back to work. I'll just sit here and play games on my phone."

"I don't think I could get many works done with you sitting so close. But let's try."

"Again, I'm glad you didn't hire me." Mashal smiled smugly before taking a selfie from the sofa, behind her were transparent glass windows and the whole city was visible from up here. She loved the view. 

And so, Murat began to work. He did get distracted by her but managed to get some work done as well. Without his realisation, the time was nine already.

"You still have work to do, huh?" Mashal finally asked him something as she took her nose away from the phone. They have gotten habitual to this, just sitting in the same room and not bothering each other all the time, minding their own business.

"Yeah. Are you hungry?" Just as he asked, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in,"

Mashal was not ashamed to admit that she found his bossy voice so hot and intimidating. She was swooning inwardly.

"Sir, there was a pizza delivered for you both."

Murat turned his gaze towards his wife, who was already walking towards his staff and took the pizza boxes from him. With a polite smile, she thanked him for bringing it here and he left with another polite smile.

"What was that?"

"Pizza" She placed them on his office table and opened the boxes, "since you've got more work, let's eat here itself. I can wait until your works are done,"

Murat simply leaned in pecked her lips. His heart fluttered with happiness for having such an amazing wife. He decided to take a break and have dinner in the office only. It's been so long since he ate here. Back when he broke up with Eliza, he always used to stay up so late and sometimes even skip dinner.

Mashal fed him her pizza as he was already done with his, he eats a lot. They smiled at each other as she did that. His gaze never left hers throughout the time. He couldn't believe this was happening right now for it felt like such a beautiful dream. But with her, he was always living the life of his dreams.

"Thank you for the pizza, babe." Murat held her hands in his as they were done eating. She nodded with a smile, "get back to work, I'll wait for you." Placing another lingering kiss on his cheeks, she walked towards the sofa and sat comfortably.

Murat watched her side by side as he indulged himself with work once again. At some point she fell asleep on his sofa, he paused whatever he was doing and just observed her for a while.

Mashal looked so peaceful while sleeping. Her phone was hanging on her hands loosely, any moment now, it might fall down. With an amused smile, he took it from her and placed it in his pocket. His hands automatically go to caress her soft cheeks as he bent down to the sofa's level. She moved in her sleep but didn't wake up.

Deciding to wrap up for the day, he shut down his system and closed everything. There was no one but him and his wife at the office at this moment, plus the security.

Not wanting to disturb her sleep, he gently picked her up in his arms. She didn't move an inch. Just continued to sleep like a log. Murat could never do that. Even the tiniest movement disturbs his sleep.

With a fond smile, he carried her to his car and placed her carefully in the backseat. She continued to sleep throughout the ride back home. Murat glanced at her through the rearview mirror every now and then, making sure she wasn't falling down the seat. He was driving slower than usual, just for her sake.

He picked her up again as they reached his home, the same moment his father in law came out of their home as well.

A teasing smile appeared on Arsalaan's face as he watched Murat carry Mashal in his arms like she was a baby.

"See you in the morning, uncle. Kinda busy here," Murat's ears turned red as he stared at his father in law and then down at his wife, who still hasn't woken up. How can she sleep like this? He wondered in amusement.

"Careful," Arsalaan added with a smile as he threw the trash in the bin and walked back to his home.

Murat sighed inwardly and carried her to their bedroom. Opening the main door became such a task and Mashal still didn't wake up. How can she sleep like this? He had no idea. But gosh she was so lucky. He could never be like this.

After gently placing her on the bed, he kissed her forehead and moved to remove her earrings and followed by slippers.

As he freshened up and changed into a nightdress, he joined Mashal on their bed and spooned her into his arms. A warm smile appeared on his face as he fell asleep happily, not having any clue of what is going to happen in their calm and peaceful world.

***

Mashal's alarm continued to ring for fifteen minutes straight, she woke up annoyedly and turned it off. She didn't have to pray this week. Her eyes were fighting for more sleep. But she blinked open them reluctantly and a small frown appeared on her face as she didn't find Murat on the bed.

Her eyes searched for him everywhere in the room. But Murat was nowhere to be found. She didn't remember coming back home last night. Which meant Murat must have carried her till here. She smiled at that thought before looking for him in the bathroom but it was empty.

Her heart began to beat fastly. Something felt wrong. Her intuition never goes wrong. Feeling uneasy, she walked downstairs and yelled her husband's name.

"Murat?"

But there was no response.

Running back upstairs, she searched for her phone which was thankfully on the bedside table. As she was going to call him, there was another incoming call.

Her eyes widened a little bit as she read the caller ID. It was from her former colleague, Aryan Hossain. Why was he calling her at this hour? So early in the morning. Mashal frowned at the screen.

She hung up the call. But he called her again. She hung up the second time but he called her again.

What the hell was his problem? Mashal wanted to yell at the phone. On one hand, Murat was missing and then this Aryan. Annoyed, she finally attended his call.

"Why are you calling me again and again?" She snapped at him the first thing but he just laughed in return. His laugh sounded so smug and evil. She felt shivers run down her spine.

"What's the matter? I'm busy here, I don't even want to talk with you." Mashal spoke irritatedly.

"I just wanted to wish you good luck," Aryan muttered smugly.

"What rubbish?"

"Because you're going to be my relative soon enough." Came his sinister reply.

"Are you high?"

"I heard Murat and Eliza are back together which means they'll be marrying soon. And then we all will be a family," Aryan laughed evilly while Mashal's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What the hell is wrong with you, why will my husband get back together with her when he has a wife?" Mashal knew this was a trap but she shuddered just by imagining Murat with someone else.

"Awe. I wish I could sympathize with you. But you deserve this. What do I say, first love is so hard to forget and didn't you see all those photos and news? It's all over social media. People are so happy you know."

"Shut up. My husband will never do that to me," Mashal yelled at him and hung up the phone.

Her breathing became uneven as she called for Murat. But his phone was unreachable.

Didn't you see all those photos and news? It's all over the social media

Aryan's evil voice rang in her ears again and again. Unable to control herself, she opened Google and typed Eliza's name.

The top news which popped up immediately shook her from within.

Eliza Hossain and Murat Saeed are back together. Here are a few adorable pictures from their first date after break up. Click here to read more. 

Supermodel, Eliza Hossain says she doesn't mind being the second wife. After all, Islam allows it and Murat has always loved her. It shouldn't be so bad. Click here to read further. 

Fans are trending #EliRat on twitter. They are so happy Murat Saeed has come back to his senses and got back together with his ex-girlfriend.

All this baseless news was making her head spin. She didn't want to believe them but those pictures. God, those pictures. They were recent and new. She couldn't believe Murat has met Eliza behind her back and didn't utter a word about it.

How could you do this to me, Murat? A lone tear escaped her eyes as she threw her phone on the bed, feeling absolutely furious and frustrated.